My new kitten won't eat. Is he just picky, stressed, or sick?

She looks like a healthy little kitten, so I think she's probably OK and just being picky. If possible, I would contact the former caregiver and see what they were feeding. Sometimes they reject food that they are not familiar with. If you've done that already, or it is not possible, then try to feed a few different foods. She is old enough that she can eat 100% kitten food, so you can buy a few different cans of food at the pet store. Fancy feast is always a favorite. Don't feed too much at one time though, or she could develop vomiting/diarrhea. They also stop eating sometimes when they are feeling sick. If you notice some eye or nose discharge, or anything else concerning, then you may need to get her to a vet for evaluation. I hope that helps.

If everything else is normal (urinating and defecating fine, active and playful) he probably need a bit more time to adapt. If possible I would maintain the same food he was having previously to avoid gastrointestinal problems. If his food is chicken based you could try to cook a chicken breast and offer few pieces mixed with his commercial diet. If Dexter continue to be anorectic and refuses all types of food or if he is lethargic, vomiting or having diarrhoea I would suggest to have him checked by your local veterinarian.

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question. Congrats on your new kitten! Moving into a new home is stressful, and it sometimes can cause a decrease in appetite. In all honestly, I never recommend Blue Buffalo, it's frankly a terrible food, and I'm not surprised he's turning his nose up at it. Try a brand like Royal Canin, Hill's Science Diet, Purina ProPlan, or Iams to see if he likes that better. If he doesn't eat that food, then a heath check with a vet is recommended right away. I hope this helps!

What a cute kitten! Offering a meat flavored baby food may help entice him to eat. Warming his food may also allow him to smell it better which will help his appetite. Offer him small meals several times a day as his stomach is too small to eat a lot at one time at this age. Definitely have him rechecked by your veterinarian if he's not eating by tomorrow. I hope he's feeling better soon.

Without knowing what you are offering him, it would be hard to say if it is an issue or not. If you are trying to feed hard or solid food, moistening it with water or a bit of kitten milk replacer and making a slurry may make it easier for Croissant to eat (and know what it is). Wet food can also be easier for a kitten to eat as they teeth. Warming up and moistened food may also make it more enticing. If Croissant continues to refuse to eat even with the changes, seems very lethargic, or is otherwise acting ill, seeking veterinary care in person ASAP is best.

I think he is likely stressed and unsure of his new surroundings. I suggest you get a Feliway diffuser to put in the room with him. It is a wall plug-in that emits pheromones to relieve stress in cats and calm them. It really works wonders in the majority of cats. You can buy these online or at any large pet store like Petco. Be sure that room he is in is very calm and quiet. ( https://www.feliway.com/us/Products/FELIWAY-CLASSIC-Diffuser ) Also, you may need to try a different food or a different form of food. I suggest putting out multiple options for him like 2 different varieties of dry food and 2 different types of wet food (one pate type and one chunky) to which he prefers and go from there. You can always call the shelter and ask what they were feeding him although they may not know. I suggest trying a "light" or reduced calorie food as at 14 pounds he is a bit overweight. We like to keep cats at 12 pounds or less to prevent diseases like diabetes, orthopedic issues and heart disease. If he does start eating in the next 24 hours then I suggest you get him to a vet for an exam. Hope this helps. Best wishes.

I would recommend trying to keep the kitten and older cat separated for now. Than slowly introducing them back to each other. I would make sure that the older cat has a litter box and food some place away from the kitten that way he will feel more comfortable eating. It is very important cats eat every day. If Niko is not eating anything he needs to go see a vet. You can try feliway which is a cat pheromone to help decrease stress in the house too. The reason Niko is acting out is due to stress in the house